Lancaster's "Band Shell", "I never intended it to be for rock concerts"

Supervisor Bob Giza stated, "I never intended it to be for rock concerts." When speaking of the new Band Shell located at the Senior Center-Youth Bureau on Oxford Avenue.

Lisa A.Johson of the Lancaster-Depew Substance Abuse Coalition is proposing and "Drug and Alcohol Free" concert. The Coalition would like to have the winners of the local "Battle of the Bands" put on a one hour concert.


Supervisor Giza and other Town Board Members are afraid, "Once youth hear that a band is playing, they would flock to the venue, and policing the crowd and security would become issues.

Board Members are worried, "about youth sneaking substances into the event and then Supervisor Giza spoke of his days as director of the Lancaster-Depew Boys and Girls Club." He stated, "Ive seen the good, the bad and the ugly." Referring to Lancaster's Boys and Girls Club Members.

The Coalition is seeking to, "Better serve our kids" - they want to, "promote positive ways to help our youth to steer clear of substance abuse."

Supervisor Giza stated, "We're scared we'll create a giant we can't control." -

It would appear he is afraid a group of seventh and 12th graders would become unmanageable because of possible drug and alcohol use!? :eek:

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Because of his first hand knowledge, of how easy it has been for drugs to enter the Lancaster-Depew Boys and Girls Club as well as our schools.

Its understandable he fears such things. He has spent years denying there were any drug and alcohol problems there and in our schools.

Now he supports spending hundreds of thousands of tax dollars yearly to combat drugs/alcohol in schools. He still denies the problem!

Then when he wants to deny our youth a chance at a "drug and alcohol Free Concert" - he cant stop using this as a issue.


I say give our youth the benefit of the doubt and give them a concert.

Let them show the Town Leaders they can participate and have fun without the vices of their piers.

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Originally posted by 4248:
I say give our youth the benefit of the doubt and give them a concert.

Let them show the Town Leaders they can participate and have fun without the vices of their piers.

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Yeah, let the old Geezer earn his free health insurance premiums provided by the Boys and Girls club, by supporting the youth and let them use the band shell.

As someone who attended the Town Board work session when the rock concert venue was being discussed, I agree with Supervisor Giza’s position on crowd control concern, noise impact to the surrounding neighborhood and the possibility of drugs being present.


I disagree that a trial run should be held at Westwood Park for same reasons as holding it at the band shell. Sandy Robinson, member of the Lancaster-Depew Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition made some good points for the venue taking place at the band shell at the Youth Bureau. She fell short when she said she had three police that were willing to participate to maintain crowd control at an event that has the potential to have 1,500 participants. According to a council member those offers were made because the police would pick up overtime pay.

Council Member Mark Aquino had the best suggestion when voicing that the Battle of the Bands winner should appear at the Fourth of July venue where there is a main stage, large crowds, sufficient security and the necessary amplification for a rock band.

Lisa Johnson, Lancaster Bee Editor and Coalition Chair, voiced that the stage would be too close to the beer tent and would counter the coalition’s mission of discouraging substance abuse.

Aquino interjected that the band could play before the beer tent was open as it was only a one hour scheduled event.

I find it interesting in that over the years I have seen many children before on the main stage before the opening of the beer tent and if memory serves correct thereafter. The main stage at the Village of Lancaster Independence Day celebration seems to be the perfect fit for myriad reasons.

when they built a band shell at the senior and youth center did they think only the seniors would want to use it. its at the youth center why cant the youth have thier music too.

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Originally Posted by Lee Chowaniec

As someone who attended the Town Board work session when the rock concert venue was being discussed, I agree with Supervisor Giza’s position on crowd control concern, noise impact to the surrounding neighborhood and the possibility of drugs being present.

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Then why was it built?.. Seems like a waste of money. Now that a "band" wants to use the band shell noise is an issue?

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Originally Posted by Lee Chowaniec

As someone who attended the Town Board work session when the rock concert venue was being discussed, I agree with Supervisor Giza’s position on crowd control concern, noise impact to the surrounding neighborhood and the possibility of drugs being present.


I disagree that a trial run should be held at Westwood Park for same reasons as holding it at the band shell. Sandy Robinson, member of the Lancaster-Depew Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition made some good points for the venue taking place at the band shell at the Youth Bureau. She fell short when she said she had three police that were willing to participate to maintain crowd control at an event that has the potential to have 1,500 participants. According to a council member those offers were made because the police would pick up overtime pay.

Council Member Mark Aquino had the best suggestion when voicing that the Battle of the Bands winner should appear at the Fourth of July venue where there is a main stage, large crowds, sufficient security and the necessary amplification for a rock band.

Lisa Johnson, Lancaster Bee Editor and Coalition Chair, voiced that the stage would be too close to the beer tent and would counter the coalition’s mission of discouraging substance abuse.

Aquino interjected that the band could play before the beer tent was open as it was only a one hour scheduled event.

I find it interesting in that over the years I have seen many children before on the main stage before the opening of the beer tent and if memory serves correct thereafter. The main stage at the Village of Lancaster Independence Day celebration seems to be the perfect fit for myriad reasons.

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Just a few comments.

When the bandshell was being proposed, weren't we told that all kinds of entertainment and events would be held there? Or is my memory faulty.

I can see the board's point about the noise and security. In foresight and hindsight, it probably wasn't a good spot to put the bandshell. (Full disclosure, I made a donation towards it.)

This is a point that will draw howls of protest from some, but isn't there a bit of a correlation between rock music and drug use. Not all kids who listen to rock music take drugs, but some do. There's a certain segment of the population that likes to get high and go to a concert. Which leads me to my sympathy for the board's concern about security.

Yes, youth groups perform on the stage at the Villages Independence Days events, on the stage, near the beer tent. However, the aim of this group is keep kids away from drugs and alcohol. So Lisa has a valid point.

After everything I said, I'd still like to see the Lancaster-Depew substance abuse program be allowed to hold this concert in the band shell. What were they talking about, an hour or so of rock music?

Is it really going to be that bad?

I'd rather take my nephew's and nieces to a rock concert than the raceway. (Full disclosure, yeah the little b..... once in a while make me take them to the raceway.)

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Originally Posted by Lee Chowaniec

As someone who attended the Town Board work session when the rock concert venue was being discussed, I agree with Supervisor Giza’s position on crowd control concern, noise impact to the surrounding neighborhood and the possibility of drugs being present.

I guess no neighbors complain about any other "Band Shell" events! Seems like Giza and Company are injecting issues to suit their personal agenda's.


I disagree that a trial run should be held at Westwood Park for same reasons as holding it at the band shell. Sandy Robinson, member of the Lancaster-Depew Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition made some good points for the venue taking place at the band shell at the Youth Bureau. She fell short when she said she had three police that were willing to participate to maintain crowd control at an event that has the potential to have 1,500 participants. According to a council member those offers were made because the police would pick up overtime pay.

Council Member Mark Aquino had the best suggestion when voicing that the Battle of the Bands winner should appear at the Fourth of July venue where there is a main stage, large crowds, sufficient security and the necessary amplification for a rock band.

Yes, lets lure possibly 1,500 youth to the Independence Day Festival. Tell them they can stay for about an hour, then they must leave because the adults will start drinking soon.

We can maybe even let them come earlier, spend their parents money, hear their concert, then be escorted out. Because we want to protect them from those who would give them drugs and alcohol.

God knows the adults who attend don't get drunk, rowdy or use any "Illegal Substances":cool:



Lisa Johnson, Lancaster Bee Editor and Coalition Chair, voiced that the stage would be too close to the beer tent and would counter the coalition’s mission of discouraging substance abuse.

Aquino interjected that the band could play before the beer tent was open as it was only a one hour scheduled event.

I find it interesting in that over the years I have seen many children before on the main stage before the opening of the beer tent and if memory serves correct thereafter. The main stage at the Village of Lancaster Independence Day celebration seems to be the perfect fit for myriad reasons.

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The Town Board is using every excuse they can find to forward their agenda. They even brought out the dreaded "Police Over Time" issue - are they saying the Police don't get over time pay for other events - are they saying the Police don't get paid for being at the Independence Day Festival?:rolleyes:

Smoke and mirrors, less than honest show of concern. Drugs and alcohol have a higher likely hood of being in the crowd at the Festival than at any teenage one hour concert.

Quit painting our youth with your fears created by other peoples actions !

Quit short changing Lancaster's Youth. Maybe if the Town Board could figure away to get a quiet benefit from the concert, then they'd be for it.

:cool:

I think the band shelter should be used for the event in question. I think and it is only my opinion only, Giza probably realized that he was going to be the only controlling the events in the shelter, oops others might express interest and if it does not apply to Giza's interest~~~oops oh well..... another selective choice right people.....

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Originally posted by gshowell:
After everything I said, I'd still like to see the Lancaster-Depew substance abuse program be allowed to hold this concert in the band shell. What were they talking about, an hour or so of rock music?

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I agree. What's an hour or so? Like me; I'm old and don't appreciate hard rock. If in that situation, I would take that hour to mow and weed whack, go shopping, go out to dinner. If my grandchildren were older, I'd invite them over to listen to a free concert in the yard.

An hour or so is no big deal. How much hooch can they smoke in an hour? Is the band shell area smoke free like the parks?

Before casting dispersions and opinions based on what was wirtten in the Lancaster Bee, it may help to read a more detailed report on what transpired at the Town Board work session. That has been posted on the front page.

Okay Lee. I read your article-
Rock concert at the Lancaster band shell, yea or nay?
That's being a little discriminatory allowing old fogey music and not young people's music.
I still feel they could try it one time in the band shell and see how things work out. If it turns out be a total mess, then no more. I just think they should "Do it for the kids".

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Originally Posted by gorja

Okay Lee. I read your article-
Rock concert at the Lancaster band shell, yea or nay?
That's being a little discriminatory allowing old fogey music and not young people's music.
I still feel they could try it one time in the band shell and see how things work out. If it turns out be a total mess, then no more. I just think they should "Do it for the kids".

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That's one opinion and I respect that opinion. Keep them coming as that was the intent of the report and I am sure there may be just one or two Lancaster town officials who read the message board. I am sure they would like the public's opinion.

Now as to the total mess part. If someone did get hurt, damage was caused, a lawsuit was instated, etc., I wonder how many residents would say that the town should have known better - not that they don't use that line themselves.

Do you believe it is unreasonable for the town to seek assurances that crowd control measures are in place to assure everyone's well being is protected? Just wondering.

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Originally posted by Lee Chowaniec:
Do you believe it is unreasonable for the town to seek assurances that crowd control measures are in place to assure everyone's well being is protected? Just wondering.

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I do not believe that it is unreasonable for the town to seek assurances that crowd control measures are in place. But I also believe due to the vast area of Westwood park that crowd control would be more difficult there than at the band shell location. Since I have never seen the band shell location, I will check it out after work tomorrow.

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From your article-
Robinson countered that "although there are risks, kids have to be treated like adults. We were all kids at one time. We have to have safety, but if we always don’t do anything for fear that we are going to anger neighbors, there is nothing stopping anyone from hiring this band and having them play in their backyard. "

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Maybe someone would donate their backyard or better yet, maybe the Lancaster speedway would donate a Monday evening when their closed.

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Originally Posted by Lee Chowaniec

That's one opinion and I respect that opinion. Keep them coming as that was the intent of the report and I am sure there may be just one or two Lancaster town officials who read the message board. I am sure they would like the public's opinion.

Now as to the total mess part. If someone did get hurt, damage was caused, a lawsuit was instated, etc., I wonder how many residents would say that the town should have known better - not that they don't use that line themselves.

Do you believe it is unreasonable for the town to seek assurances that crowd control measures are in place to assure everyone's well being is protected? Just wondering.

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I agree that the town should ask for assurances actually. I think they are trying to put the safety and best interest ahead for the moment....
wait...................I had a mind lapse..........

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gorja;654384]I do not believe that it is unreasonable for the town to seek assurances that crowd control measures are in place. But I also believe due to the vast area of Westwood park that crowd control would be more difficult there than at the band shell location. Since I have never seen the band shell location, I will check it out after work tomorrow.

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I agree that having the event at Westwood Park makes little sense.

Put it at the Speedway. No one seems to care about the residents in that area anyway (sarcasm).